As soon as Du Jianjun finished speaking, an awkward silence fell over the group.
The stifling atmosphere grew even heavier. Everyone stole glances at Li Bin—some snickering, some shaking their heads, some looking embarrassed. Even Shen Han, who'd been teary with joy, now looked uneasy.
"Got it, got it. Thank you for your guidance, Uncle. I know I was wrong. You're absolutely right," Li Bin said, calmly raising his glass to toast Du Jianjun with a sincere expression, though inwardly he was cursing up a storm.
Jealousy's just jealousy. Seeing me steal the show and the Wen family outshine their Du family got under his skin. These Du pricks can't stand seeing you do well—they'd rather you crash and burn.
Li Bin had long seen through this family. Especially Du Jianjun—what a piece of shit. Acting like a big shot here. Did I spend a dime of your money on this watch? Did I steal or rob? Mind your fucking business.
Guiding me? Who the hell are you? Some wise sage? I need your guidance? Fuck you! If you're such a caring elder, where the hell were you when I was down and out?
Du Jianjun was a fake, disgusting hypocrite. Though Li Bin cursed him out in his head, he kept his face earnest.
For one, he didn't want to ruin the happy mood of the day by arguing with this asshole.
For another, he couldn't be bothered with Du Jianjun. Let him play big shot—Li Bin would live his life. Doing well had nothing to do with them, and if he fell, these relatives wouldn't lift a finger.
Why care what they think?
What's the point?
"Li Bin, as your aunt, I've got to say something too. You're a grown man—how are you still so immature? With that money, why not buy Wen Wan a car? Or a house? I know you're filial and want to show off now that you've made some cash, but how much do you even have? No need to flex on us—we all know your worth," Shen Yun said, eyeing Shen Han's Rolex with burning envy, her words sour as if the grapes were out of reach. "Buying a 100,000-plus watch makes you think you're hot shit? That it proves your filial piety? This watch is an idiot tax! A fake would've been smarter! You're just wasting money! If my Bin Bin bought me one, I'd slap him!"
Du Jianjun and Shen Yun's words grew more acidic, more excessive.
The three Wen sisters couldn't take it anymore.
"Auntie, what's wrong with Brother-in-law spending his money on a watch for Mom? He's earning now, and his first thought was Mom—that's filial piety. You're criticizing that? Seriously? It's his hard-earned cash, not stolen or robbed. Even if he threw it in the river, it's his business," Wen Lan, blunt and bold, fired back with a mocking edge.
"Heh, Auntie, I saw you drooling over Mom's watch. If someone gave you one, you'd probably faint from excitement," Wen Ting, rarely siding with Li Bin, chimed in to defend him.
"Wen Ting, what's that supposed to mean? You think I'd want that thing? I could buy one if I wanted! I just don't care for it!" Shen Yun, stung by Wen Ting's words hitting too close, exploded like a cat with its tail stepped on, glaring furiously.
"Enough, enough! Stop it. It's my birthday, and we're here to have fun. I love the watch—real or fake, it's a treasure because my son-in-law gave it to me! It's his money—none of our business how he spends it," Shen Han snapped, fed up, shooting a glare at her sister Shen Yun, her brows furrowed.
Hearing the anger in her sister's tone, Shen Yun shut up, fuming as she glared at Wen Ting and downed a gulp of red wine.
"Auntie, I wasn't going to say anything, but to keep Brother-in-law from going astray, I feel I must speak out publicly, to urge him to pull back from the brink and turn back!" Du Bin, at the worst possible moment, stood up, speaking gravely.
His opening drew curious frowns from the group.
Shen Han and Wen Wan instantly had a bad feeling.
Li Bin smirked coldly at Du Bin, shaking his head slightly, already guessing what he was about to say.